Hello Folks!

 First of all, huge thank you for being here on this fundraiser page. I’m reaching out because I’m about to embark on an epic challenge to support a great initiative and a humble cause... and I’ll need all the help I can get. As many of you know, I’m a pureborn rocker and headbanger, a giving and charitable dude, and (in more recent years) an avid cyclist. The unfortunate events of the COVID 19 pandemic provided me with the opportunity to combine my love for heavy metal music, cycling, and sense of social responsibility into one bucket, in the form of The Heavy Metal Truants.

 For many years I’ve been involved with good/giving causes in some sort of way... either through community service when I was a Boy Scout, supporting other teenagers through Social Work programs, and gathering help for foster homes while still at school, or being a donor to Save The Children at a personal level, and for almost 20 years now, supporting initiatives such as (RED), St Jude Children Hospital, and No Kid Hungry, these through the companies I’ve worked for. 

 The Truants Foundation had been helping four amazing children charities for the last 8 years. these are: Teenage Cancer Trust, Childline, Nordroff Robbins, and Save The Children. Last year I joined The Truants (from a distance) to raise some money for these charities. Inside of my garage I completed the “Overkill” challenge; almost 670 virtual miles in 11 days, while working a full time job and being a father at the same time. This year I only have 5 days available to support this initiative... therefore I’m looking to match the same effort from last year, but in half the time, and this time I’m hitting the tarmac.

 The challenge:

 The Ride Of The Beast (Next Door) 667miles, 32,000 ft of climb, 5 days (5/24/21-5/28/21) cruising the iconic coast of California, from San Francisco to San Diego, through the iconic Highway 1.

 Joining me on this “madness with a cause” endeavor is a my friend and fellow cyclist Juan Pablo Bautista. While not a headbanger himself, JP is a true Trooper who’s eager to endure the demands of such a challenge, all in the name of helping others.

 Needless to say, this challenge will be probably the toughest test that I’ve put myself through, yet... we know it’s gonna be hard, but as a great leader told me... “the moment you think you can’t go any further, think about the kids you’re helping”. As a father myself, I’ll do anything possible to keep my princess safe and healthy. Thankfully she’s doing well, and that motivates me to do a little bit to help other kids in need. 

Your donation, no matter the size, will make a difference in the life of a child in need... that’s the main reason why we are riding.

Fists in the air and rubber on the tarmac! Let’s ride!

 Emil